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Cathay Pacific flies daily to Changsha

HONG KONG, 6 November 2025: Cathay Pacific launched non-stop passenger flights between Hong Kong and Changsha on Tuesday, further expanding the Cathay Group’s Chinese Mainland network to 24 destinations served by Cathay Pacific and low-cost carrier HK Express.

This new daily service offers customers from Hong Kong and around the world access to the bustling capital of China’s Hunan Province. At the same time, those travelling from Changsha can conveniently connect to the Cathay Group’s global network of over 100 passenger destinations through its Hong Kong hub. ​

To mark the start of the new service, Cathay Pacific held a launch ceremony at Changsha Huanghua International Airport, hosted by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, Director of the Chinese Mainland Arnold Cheng, and Director of Service Delivery Mandy Ng.

Cathay Pacific held a launch ceremony at Changsha Huanghua International Airport, hosted by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, Director of the Chinese Mainland Arnold Cheng, and Director of Service Delivery Mandy Ng. The inaugural flight CX968 was welcomed with a special water salute at Changsha Huanghua International Airport, marking a new chapter in the enhanced connectivity between Hunan and Hong Kong. 

Cathay’s Arnold Cheng said: “The launch of our Changsha route marks another important step in Cathay’s strategic expansion in the Chinese Mainland, underscoring our unique position of having deep roots in Hong Kong, being proudly part of China and connecting the world. This new service reinforces our role in enhancing connectivity between key cities across the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, making travel between Hong Kong, Changsha and beyond more seamless for our customers, while showcasing the vibrancy and rich heritage of Hunan Province to travellers from around the globe.”

Hunan Airport Management Group Marketing Director Zhou Yun noted: “Hong Kong is an important gateway between Hunan and the world. The direct flights between Changsha and Hong Kong not only make travelling between the two cities easier, but also foster economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Hunan and Hong Kong. With the launch of the new route, travellers from Hunan can enjoy added convenience through seamless check-in and baggage through-check services, connecting to over 100 destinations worldwide. 

Cathay Pacific deploys an A321neo aircraft on the Hong Kong-Changsha route, featuring business and economy cabins. 

Flight schedules are as follows (all times local): 

Changsha marks the Cathay Group’s fifth new destination in the Chinese Mainland, launched in 2025, alongside Urumqi, operated by Cathay Pacific and Changzhou, Yiwu and Guiyang, operated by HK Express. ​

To cater to growing travel demand, Cathay Pacific has also increased flights on other key routes in the Chinese Mainland, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shanghai. The Cathay Group will operate more than 330 return flights per week between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland during the winter travel peak.

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

HK Express strengthens Penang ties

HONG KONG, 6 November 2025: HK Express Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Penang Global Tourism, Malaysia, formalising a strategic partnership that spans two years until the end of October 2027. 

The collaboration encompasses market promotions, flight schedule optimisation, enhancing the passenger experience, and fostering closer industry cooperation, aiming to drive tourism exchange and economic interaction between Hong Kong, neighbouring Greater Bay Area cities, and Penang. 

From left) Yoganthiran Manikam, Director of Tourism Malaysia Hong Kong; Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express;  KK Ong, Chief Commercial Officer of HK Express; Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism; YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO For Tourism & Creative Economy; YB Joseph Ng Soon Siang, State Assemblyman for Air Itam & Director of Penang Global Tourism.

According to the MoU, both parties will allocate “a total of seven figures in HKD” to fund multi-channel online and offline promotional campaigns to showcase the charm of Penang as a “UNESCO World Heritage City”, highlighting George Town’s architecture and street art, diverse cuisine and cultural festivals.

Flight schedule optimisation will focus on strengthening the existing Hong Kong-Penang route by evaluating the addition of extra seasonal flights and increasing capacity during peak seasons to enhance air connectivity between Penang and major Asian cities, offering passengers a more convenient travel experience.

One-stop Greater Bay Area connectivity is another spin-off benefit of the collaboration, facilitated through an ‘Intermodal Pass’. It will deliver seamless sea-land-air connections for passengers from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Dongguan, and Macao, thereby shortening total travel time to and from Penang. This will be achieved by utilising ferry, road, and rail travel to seamlessly connect with HK Express flights, all with a single travel transaction.

HK Express increased flights to two daily on its Hong Kong-Penang route since last October, offering flexibility for business travellers, holidaymakers, and travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR). 

Leveraging the Cathay Pacific Group’s global network, Penang will now be seamlessly connected to over 100 destinations, facilitating a two-way flow of passengers with one-stop transfers between Cathay and HK Express.

HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said: “Since launching the Penang route in November 2024, demand has grown steadily, with an average load factor of around 80%. In the winter 2025 season, we have doubled frequency to 14 flights per week, offering real choice with 1155 daytime and 2000 evening departures. This step-up is the result of HK Express’s network and schedule investment, together with the strong support and promotional drive of the Penang State Government and Penang Global Tourism.” 

“Penang is a city of dual UNESCO recognitions, and this partnership will bring more travellers to experience our UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Penang Hill”, said Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai.

“Our partnership with HK Express is a key part of Penang’s strategy to expand our reach and prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia Medical Tourism Year 2026. This collaboration strengthens our market presence and ensures more travellers can discover the unique art, heritage, and lifestyle that Penang offers.”

HK Express aims to further leverage Hong Kong’s dual advantages as an international aviation hub and the gateway to the Greater Bay Area by combining Hong Kong’s urban experiences with the diverse offerings of neighbouring cities.

HK Express will endeavour to attract more Penang travellers for in-depth “Hong Kong plus Greater Bay Area city” tourism and, at the same time, expand its seamless sea-land-air “Intermodal Pass” service within the Greater Bay Area, providing one-stop services that include ticket purchasing, baggage check-in, flight connections, and travel insurance to optimise the overall travel experience.

(Source: HK Express)

Beyond Khaolak Resort rebrands

KHAO LAK, Thailand, 5 November 2025: Kata Group Resorts confirms the rebranding of Beyond Khaolak Resort to ananea Beyond Khaolak — the first ananea-branded property in Thailand.

The rebrand to ananea Beyond Khaolak is the result of a strategic collaboration with ananea, a European lifestyle hotel brand designed for new-generation travellers seeking balance, inspiration, and purposeful experiences. 

Ananea is part of Detour Hotels & Resorts, under DER Touristik Group, one of Europe’s largest travel and hospitality firms.

Ananea is part of Detour Hotels & Resorts, under DER Touristik Group, one of Europe’s largest and most reputable travel and hospitality corporations, which also includes brands such as Sentido, Calimera, Aldiana, and Playitas. This launch marks the very first ananea property in Thailand, and importantly, the flagship property for the brand in Southeast Asia.

The name “ananea” originates from the Greek word “ananeosis”, meaning “renewal”. This philosophy is reflected in the resort’s atmosphere and design, which combine minimalist Mediterranean influences and contemporary European styling.

Located on Pak Weep Beach, ananea Beyond Khaolak is an 80-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. The resort features an all-villa concept with 177 units, ranging from Garden Villas to the expansive Two-Bedroom Pool Villa. 

(Source: Kata Group Resorts)

Emirates boosts presence in Egypt

DUBAI, UAE, 5 November 2025: Emirates will deploy a six-weekly service on the Dubai-Cairo route effective December 2025, with operations scaling to daily from February 2026.

Scheduled for maximum connectivity with the airline’s global network, the additional frequencies will cater to the increased demand during the peak winter season.

From 1 February 2026, this will scale to a daily flight with revised timings that will complement the current schedule of four daily flights. 

The increase will reinforce the airline’s confidence in meeting strong demand for leisure and corporate travel in and out of Egypt. 

Deploying a Boeing 777, the flight schedule is optimised for seamless connections with key destinations in Asia, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. 

As one of the earliest destinations on Emirates’ global network, Egypt has long been a priority market for the airline. Cairo already boasts the highest deployment of the iconic Emirates A380s in the Middle East and North Africa, outside of Dubai, and once live with the fifth daily service, will also become the most served city in the airline’s African network, a testament to the airline’s ongoing commitment to the market as it approaches 40 years of service.   

Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “As one of the region’s busiest gateways for both passengers and cargo, Cairo has long been a key destination for Emirates. The additional service will make it easier for customers to connect across our network, while fostering strong trade and tourism links between Egypt, the UAE and the wider world. On the eve of our 40th anniversary of operations in Cairo, the enhanced schedule is a mark of our unwavering commitment to the region. We’d like to extend our thanks to the Egyptian authorities for their support in securing this new frequency and look forward to welcoming passengers on board soon.” 

Egypt and the UAE have longstanding, strong bilateral relations, including numerous tourism, industrial, and commercial developments across Cairo and the country’s northern coast, as well as in other areas. The additional frequency is designed to enhance connectivity between the two countries, while also increasing cargo capacity in and out of Egypt, offering 300 tonnes via the belly of a Boeing 777 every week. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, uplifts key commodities, including beloved Egyptian fresh produce such as strawberries and other fruits and vegetables, further stimulating the economy and connecting Egyptian businesses with their global customers, quickly, reliably and efficiently. 

Emirates has firmly established itself as a long-term partner of Egypt’s aviation, tourism, and trade since its inaugural flight in 1986. Since then, the airline has scaled its operations, increased frequencies, and served over 10 million passengers to and from the market, forging key inbound traffic from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, among others.  
For more information about the airline and to book flights, please visit www.emirates.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

PATA tracks tourism’s road to recovery

BANGKOK, 5 November 2025: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released its Annual Tourism Monitor 2025, highlighting the remarkable recovery of international visitor arrivals (IVAs) across the Asia Pacific region. 

According to the report, IVAs in 2024 reached 647.9 million across 46 destinations, marking a 24.1% increase from the previous year and reaching a 91.9% recovery rate compared to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. 

Photo credit: PATA. Asia Pacific’s top 10 destinations.

In the first half of 2025, provisional data from Asia Pacific destinations indicate that IVAs reached 295.7 million. This reflects a significant 5.4% year-over-year increase and a 92.6% recovery from pre-pandemic levels. The upward trend is expected to continue in the rest of 2025, with a transition to stable growth patterns.

Key findings

Asia was the primary engine of growth in 2024, recording 470.9 million IVAs, which accounted for 72.7% of the region’s total and represented a robust 30.7% year-on-year increase. Americas and Pacific followed with 153.0 million IVAs (23.6%, up 9.7%) and 24.0 million IVAs (3.7%, up 6.9%), respectively. 

Among the top-performing destinations were China, which welcomed over 127 million visitors, accounting for 19.7% of the Asia Pacific region’s total, and the USA, which saw over 72 million arrivals (11.2%).

Japan experienced a remarkable surge in IVAs in 2024, reaching 36.87 million with a growth rate of 47.1%, the highest among the major Asia Pacific destinations. This impressive rebound was driven by a combination of factors, including Japan’s authentic cultural appeal,  favourable exchange rate, and increased air connectivity. 

Following this, in the first half of 2025, Japan continued its strong performance by attracting 14.4 million IVAs, representing a 24.5% increase over the same period in the previous year, and achieving a recovery rate of 131.6%.

Additionally, Macao, China, recorded robust gains, attracting 34.9 million IVAs in 2024 with a 23.8% year-on-year increase. Macao sustained this upward trajectory into the first half of 2025, with IVAs growing by 14.9% even as momentum slowed in other key destinations. Its success is rooted in its strategic diversification beyond gaming, enhanced infrastructure and transport links, and targeted promotional efforts, particularly toward China.

Emerging trends 

In the first half of 2025, Asia continued to drive regional tourism, accounting for eight of the top 10 destinations by volume, with 224.1 million arrivals during this period. Meanwhile, the Americas and the Pacific recorded 60.5 million and 11.1 million arrivals, respectively. 

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “While growth has naturally eased following the sharp rebounds of 2023 and 2024, the data points to a healthy and sustainable trajectory for tourism across the Asia Pacific. The region is entering a new phase of maturity — one defined not by recovery, but by resilience and recalibration. These results reaffirm the strength of the industry’s foundations and its ability to evolve in response to shifting market conditions and traveller expectations.”

Access the report via the following link: www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/annual-tourism-monitor-2025

(Source: PATA)

JLL names hospitality chief in India

MUMBAI, 5 November 2025: JLL, a leading real estate professional services firm in India, has appointed Gaurav Sharma as Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group for India and Senior Director Hotel Capital Markets, Asia. 

Photo credit: JLL. Gaurav Sharma, Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group for India and Senior Director, Hotel Capital Markets, Asia.

In this strategic role, Sharma will lead the company’s hospitality practice across the Indian market, leveraging his extensive experience to capitalise on emerging opportunities in India’s rapidly evolving hotel and hospitality sector. 

Sharma will be based in Delhi and will report to JLL’s Hotel & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific CEO Nihat Ercan.

Sharma’s appointment marks his return to JLL India, where he previously led the capital markets team for North India from 2006 to 2012, and comes at a pivotal time as India’s hospitality sector demonstrates exceptional growth momentum.

According to JLL analysis, the hotel sector in India has delivered outstanding performance with Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) surging 10.5% year-over-year as of YTD September 2025, building on 2024’s record-breaking achievements that included over 42,071 new keys and approximately 25 significant investment transactions. This robust trajectory is evidenced by unprecedented development activity, with 182 hotel signings totalling 22,469 keys in the first half of 2025, a jump of 16% from the same time last year, reinforcing the sector’s strategic expansion beyond traditional urban centres as more than 70% of new signings concentrate in tier 2 and 3 cities.

(Source: JLL)

Therme Group wins wellness tender

SINGAPORE, 5 November 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has awarded the Concept and Price Revenue Tender to Therme Group Singapore Pte Ltd to develop and operate a wellness attraction at the Marina South Coastal site. 

This project aligns with STB’s Tourism 2040 vision to develop Singapore as a compelling destination, with wellness identified as a key growth opportunity.

An artist’s impression of the Wellness Attraction and surrounding landscape. Image courtesy of Therme Singapore and DP Architects.

Spanning four hectares along the Marina South waterfront, which is approximately the size of six football fields, the winning proposal by Therme Group Singapore could attract around 2 million visitors annually at full operational capacity, with nearly half being international visitors. 

Located alongside iconic neighbours including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage, the enhanced Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore, and the upcoming Founders’ Memorial, the attraction will add to the variety of experiences that will enliven the Marina Bay precinct and enhance Singapore’s destination appeal. Surrounding the facility, Therme Group Singapore will also develop a public park of almost four hectares, linking Marina Barrage to the wellness attraction.

Submissions were first assessed on the quality of development concept and design, with shortlisted proposals then evaluated on price. The evaluation focused on the strength of the wellness concept, how the design would complement the coastal site, and the company’s

track record. Therme Group Singapore’s proposal stood out as its proposed concept offers experiences to address different aspects of wellbeing, from active engagement to restorative healing and ultimate relaxation. 

The project’s parent company, Therme Group, is a global leader in the development and management of large-scale spa and wellness facilities, including the two most visited wellness destinations in Europe: Bucharest, Romania, and Erding, Germany.

Tapping on the group’s strengths, the wellness attraction at Marina South Coast will feature thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, and water slides, designed to appeal to multiple demographics, including families with children, seniors and working adults. 

Slated to open by 2030, the project will mark a milestone as Singapore’s first dedicated wellness attraction, elevating the quality of our visitor experiences and tourism offerings, supporting Singapore’s tourism goal of achieving SGD47 billion to SGD50 billion tourism receipts by 2040.

This development capitalises on the robust growth of wellness tourism, with the global market expected to grow by 10.2% and reach USD1.35 trillion by 2028. Wellness trips accounted for 8% of all tourism trips. Still, they represented almost 18% of all tourism expenditure in 20231, showing that wellness travellers tend to spend much more per trip than the average traveller.

The tender was launched on 5 July 2024, with the deadline initially extended to 15 November 2024 following requests from potential tenderers. The closing date was subsequently extended to 17 April 2025 to address comprehensive site-related queries.

(Source: STB)

Qatar codeshares with Air Algérie

DOHA, Qatar, 5 November 2025: Qatar Airways and Air Algérie have signed a codeshare partnership that will improve connectivity between Algeria and key markets in Asia and the Middle East through Hamad International Airport. 

Travellers can now book codeshare flights for travel starting on 15 November 2025.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Building on their existing interline partnership, the codeshare provides Qatar Airways customers easier access to Algiers as well as six other key destinations in Air Algérie’s domestic network, including Annaba, Constantine, Oran, Tamanrasset, Timimoun, and Tindouf. Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members will also earn Avios on codeshare flights operated by Air Algérie.

Similarly, through codeshare flights with Qatar Airways, the Algerian national flag carrier offers more travel options for its passengers travelling to Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Muscat via Hamad International Airport. This codeshare agreement will soon be expanded to include additional destinations.

Qatar Airways currently has 30 interline and six codeshare agreements with airlines across Africa, and operates 213 weekly flights to 30 cities in 21 African countries.

Air Algérie is the flag carrier of Algeria, wholly owned by the Algerian government. The airline operates on four continents: Africa, Europe, Asia and North America, using Algiers International Airport as a hub to build bridges between Africa and the rest of the world. It serves more than 80 destinations on regular and charter bases and currently operates an average of 300 flights per day. 

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Dida Holdings adopts new group structure

SHENZHEN, 5 November 2025: Dida Holdings, a distributor of global and travel content, has introduced its new group structure, bringing together its portfolio of companies and brands under the Dida Holdings umbrella.

The new structure reflects Dida’s evolution from a leading travel distribution platform into a diversified global travel tech ecosystem spanning three pillars — travel, technology, and new ventures.

Photo credit: DIDA.

Following the appointment of Daryl Lee as Group CEO in October, Dida Holdings has confirmed the next phase of its transformation to ensure its status as one of the world’s leading AI-driven travel technology groups.

The new group identity — now live at didaholdings.com — unites Dida’s family of companies and brands under a single vision to become the partner of choice in the travel ecosystem through AI, automation, and next-generation connectivity.

Dida Holdings, Founder and Chairman Rikin Wu said: “We’ve built one of the world’s most advanced B2B travel distribution platforms. With the creation of Dida Holdings, we’re scaling that technology across every part of the travel value chain – enabling partners to share in the growth of an AI-first global platform.”

Under the new entity, Dida’s core travel divisions — Dida Hotels, Dida Flights, Dida Go, and Dida Experiences — will continue to expand their reach globally, powered by AI-enabled technology and deep data insights. Supporting these initiatives are Dida’s dedicated technology and innovation units, which focus on AI applications in dynamic pricing, connectivity, content automation, and sustainability.

Dida Holdings Group CEO  Daryl Lee added: “Under Dida Holdings, the group’s key divisions — Dida Hotels, Dida Flights, Dida Go, and Dida Experiences — are positioned to drive sustained global expansion. These business units are supported by dedicated technology and innovation hubs focused on AI applications in dynamic pricing, connectivity, content automation, and sustainable operations”, Lee concluded.

About Dida
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Shenzhen, Dida is a global AI-first travel technology group that combines the scale and innovation of China with the diverse needs of international travel partners. Through its core business lines — Dida Hotels, Dida Flights, Dida Go and Dida Experiences — the company connects high-quality travel content from hotels, airlines, and ancillary providers to the world’s travel agencies, TMCs, tour operators, OTAs, and wholesalers.

(Source: DIDA Holdings Group)

Sarawak wins hosting rights for ICA 2027  

KUCHING, 4 November 2025: Sarawak has officially received the hosting rights for the International Council on Archives (ICA) Conference 2027, marking a proud milestone for Malaysia and a historic first for Sarawak as the host destination.

The official handover ceremony took place last week in Barcelona, Spain, during the closing ceremony of the ICA Congress 2025, where Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, formally received the hosting rights on behalf of Sarawak.

“ICA’s mission is about carrying legacies forward, and as the legacy capital of business events in Malaysia and Borneo, Sarawak is proud to carry the torch for 2027. We hope this conference will open new opportunities to develop more national and local collaborations on archives, so that the legacies we preserve today continue to inspire generations to come,” stated the minister during the handover ceremony.

This marks the second time Malaysia has hosted an ICA event and the first time for Sarawak. The ICA 2027 conference is set to highlight Sarawak’s commitment to heritage preservation, cultural diversity, and digital transformation, aligning with the post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“The Ministry of National Unity Malaysia is dedicated to integrating the conference into our national vision, ensuring the platform powerfully showcases Malaysia’s rich, diverse heritage and reinforces our cultural and historical connections with the international archival community. In Malaysia, the importance of preserving our heritage, our documents, our stories, our digital records is an act of national unity,” said Ministry of National Unity Malaysia Secretary General Dato Haslina binti Abdul Hamid.

The International Council on Archives (ICA) is the leading global organisation dedicated to advancing archival and records management. Every four years, the ICA Congress brings together thousands of professionals for a comprehensive programme of workshops, sessions, and keynotes. In alternate years, ICA hosts its biennial conference focused on current challenges and innovations in archival science.

ICA’s legacy is the safeguarding of humanity’s memory built on continuity, trust, and connection.

“We are proud of the strong teamwork between federal and state partners that made ICA 2027 possible in Sarawak. It’s a privilege to be part of ICA’s legacy, and we hope it will inspire national and local archive professionals to create enduring legacies for the community and country,” said BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman, who was also present at the handover.

Malaysia’s successful bid to host the conference in Kuching, initiated in 2024, was the result of a strong multi-agency collaboration led by the Sarawak State Library and the National Archives of Malaysia, with the firm backing of both Federal and Sarawak Government agencies and universities:

  • Office of the Premier of Sarawak
  • Ministry of National Unity, Malaysia
  • Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak
  • Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak)
  • Sarawak Tourism Board;
  • Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB)
  • Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch
  • Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
  • University of Technology Sarawak (UTS)
  • Sabah State Archives

The upcoming ICA Conference 2027 will be held from 1 to 5 November 2027 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) and is expected to draw more than 1,000 delegates from around the world, including government agencies, archival institutions, associations, policymakers, and academic leaders.

The prestigious international event will be co-organised by the Sarawak State Library, the National Archives of Malaysia, and the International Council on Archives (ICA).

For more information on events in Sarawak, visit: Business Events Sarawak

(Source: BESarawak)